Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo Birth Control Pills Prevent The Attaching Of The Fertilized Egg To The Uterus

Ortho Tri-Cyclen LO General Information

Generic Name: Ethinyl Estradiol and norgestimate

Brand Name: Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo performs the function of contraception for the prevention of pregnancy.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo Uses

Ortho Tri- Cyclen Lo or Ethinyl Estradiol and norgestimate combine the effects of female hormones that prevent the release of an egg from the ovary. It works by altering the cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus to make it harder for the fertilized egg to get attached to the uterine lining. It is also used in the treatment of severe acne.

How Take Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo

The medication is to be taken on the first day of the menstrual period or on the first Sunday after the period has started. Initially, one might have to use additional methods of birth control. The seven "reminder" pills are used to maintain the monthly menstrual cycle. Each pill should be taken at intervals of 24 hours. If a pack gets finished, then a new pack should be started the very next day. During the period of use of this medication, regular visits to the doctor are absolutely necessary. One might have discontinue the use of Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo if she needs a surgery or when she has to be in bed rest for a long period of time.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo Warnings

The medication has the potential to cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy. New mothers should refrain from taking this medicine for 4 weeks after giving birth to their babies. Lactating mothers should not take this medication for six weeks after their babies’ birth. Women with a history of blood clot, stroke, liver and kidney diseases, breast or uterine cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding and severe migraine headaches should not take this medication. The doctor might suggest a dose adjustment or special tests if a woman faces health conditions like a history of depression, seizures, diabetes, problems of the gall bladder, irregular menstrual cycles, high cholesterol, congestive heart failure and fibrocystic breast diseases. This medication sloes down the rate of milk production. Breakthrough bleeding might result within the first three months of use.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo Missed Dose

If a woman misses one pill per day, then she can take two pills in a single day. For the rest of the month, she can continue with one pill per day. If a woman misses two "active" pills in the first or the second week, then she has to take two pills per day for two consecutive days. If she misses two active pills in the third week or three pills in a row in the first three weeks, then the entire should be discarded and replaced with a new one the very same day. This is applicable for the Day 1 starters. Sunday starters need to take the pills from the old pack till it is Sunday when she should start a new pack. There is no need for a backup birth control measure if one misses the reminder pills.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo Side Effects

The side effects that might result from the use of this medication include sudden numbness, change in the pattern of severity headaches, confusion, vision problems, yellowing of skin or eyes, stomach pain, nausea, signs of depression, problems with vision, speech or balance, swelling in the hands, ankles or feet, sweating, chest pain, clay-colored stools, nausea and general ill-feeling. Some women have experienced side effects like swelling and pain in the breasts, loss of scalp hair, stomach cramps, vaginal itching and discharge, changes in menstrual periods, freckles in facial skin, changes in weight, increased hair growth and problems with contact lenses.

Ortho Tr-Cyclen Lo Storage

The medication should be stored at room temperature and away from heat and moisture.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo Overdose

An overdose of Ortho Tr-Cyclen Lo can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting and vaginal bleeding.

Ortho Tr-Cyclen Lo More Information

The risk of stroke, heart attack and blood clots associated with the use of this medication increases if a woman smokes or if she has crossed the age of 35. Like other birth control pills, Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS. Using condoms is the best way to stop the spread of these diseases from one person to the other.